Recent data shows that wait times for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) have fluctuated across various streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Canada. While most streams experienced an increase in processing times, the permanent resident stream saw a significant decrease.

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) department, responsible for LMIA application reviews, released its July 2026 processing times update. These updates, reflecting the average number of business days needed for assessment, are crucial for employers and foreign workers.

Comparing LMIA Processing Times: July vs. June

Processing times for LMIAs can vary based on the stream, application completeness, and ESDC’s workload. The latest data compares July 2026 processing times with those from June:

TFWP Stream/Program	July 2026	June 2026	Difference
Global Talent Stream	10 days	9 days	+1 day
Agricultural Stream	23 days	22 days	+1 day
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program	8 days	9 days	-1 day
High-Wage Stream	88 days	79 days	+9 days
Low-Wage Stream	73 days	71 days	+2 days
Permanent Resident Stream	86 days	99 days	-13 days

Notably, the processing time for high-wage stream LMIAs has reached a peak of 88 days, a significant increase from earlier in the year. While the low-wage stream saw a slight rise, it remains considerably higher than previous months. Employers and applicants must stay informed about these changes to navigate the LMIA process effectively.